StyleWhipped

Pink Lady

In case you had forgotten, Valentine's Day is on Tuesday. (And if you want to forget about it, you might want to read this anyway...sometimes the best gifts we give are those we give ourselves...) Valentine's Day holds different meanings for everyone, but I think that whether you are single or married, in a relationship or heading out on a first date, any day that reminds you to tell the people in your life that you love them is important. And that's what Valentine's Day represents to me...a day to take one extra second and tell your best friend/aunt/child/mentor that you love them and that they are important to you.

But...you know what? It's also a really good day to get gorgeous gifts. As I mentioned, it doesn't matter who gives you that gift...could be your boyfriend, girlfriend, or even your father. But it could also be the perfect time to buy something pretty and girly and frivolous for yourself. And what better than a fabulous ring made completely of pink sapphires (one of my new favorites when it comes to precious stones...the pink is really warm and rich and looks like a delicious little bit of strawberry ice cream...). You can find large pink sapphires (set like a solitare or as a cocktail ring), but what I'm coveting right now is "eternity" bands of yellow or rose gold, paved with tiny pink sapphires. It's a statement on it's own, a little cheeky, and looks amazing stacked with white or black diamonds.

I found two to share with you that I'm a little too excited about. The first, from Majolie, is a super think rose gold band with the pink sapphires in a pave setting. It could double as an unusual, unique wedding ring, or you could wear it as an everyday, "signature" piece on your index finger (that's what I would do!). It is even relatively affordable at just under $500. I'd buy this for myself, but also be really (really, really...) excited if someone bought it for me (ahem...hint, hint...). The other is from designer Jennifer Meyer, and is an 18-kt yellow gold (which makes it a bit darker) zigzag setting also with pave-ed pink sapphires. This is striking but still small, and has a very different, "cool girl" factor that is hard to find in such simple "fine jewelry." It also has a much bigger price tag (at $2,750), but Valentine's Day does only come once a year, right? Right?!

So be a fabulous pink lady. And go tell all the other fabulous people in your life how much you love them. (Which, by the way, you really don't have to wait till the 14th to do...)

~ Alison.

Beauty Spotlight: beecause Lip Balm

Admittedly, I am not such a beauty product junkie. I am not the girl who will try every new color trend (neon green eyelids? no thanks...), and I have a minor heart attack if the drugstore is out of the same Mabelline Great Lash Mascara I've used for the past eight years (saying that I am a creature of habit is an understatement). But therefore, when I find a product I like, I stick with it. Forever. (Or until it is discontinued...at which point I have a major heart attack.)

One product I can't live without is good lip balm. I'm not such a lipstick person (I wear a ton of eye make-up and need to keep my lips pretty simple), but all year-round, I am always on the hunt for the perfect lip balm for a little protection (from the cold in the winter and the sun in the summer) and a little kissable shine. I prefer a tube (I'm not such a fan of those messy pots), and am very picky about flavor (anything chemical-ly or overly sweet is out immediately). So when the brand-new beecause lip balm arrived at the Stylewhipped offices, I was instantly in love...

Not only does this one come in a perfectly sized little tube with pretty packaging, but it is 100% natural, made from a beeswax base (get it? "beecause"...), and has a certified organic status. It contains zero parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals or phthalates, and is "CCIC Leaping Bunny Certified," meaning none of our beloved little animals are used in testing it. Even that pretty packaging is recyclable and completely earth-friendly. But the even more important thing here (c'mon, we love the do-good-er stuff, but we really also want a quality product!) is that this is some seriously amazing lip balm! It is peppermint flavored (with a subtle hint of honey from the actual beeswax it's made from), it goes on super easily, doesn't leave that icky film, and makes your lips soft, smooth and make-up (or kissing) ready.

Your lips (and maybe someone else's) will thank you for this one. I know mine are.

~ Alison.

We All Need a Little (Dragon) Luck...

With the Chinese New Year celebration still going on, the Year of the Dragon is already shaping up to be a lucky one! And here at Stylewhipped we think you definitely need to bring some more dragon into your life. Danielle already gave you some gorgeous tips on how to throw an Asian-themed party, so I thought I would source some beautiful (and lucky...and very cool-looking...) accessories that use the "dragon" motif. Personally, along with snakes, dragons are one of my favorite images. They speak to my inner alter-ego who would be have way more than my two little tattoos, and as an iconic visual they feel edgy, empowering, and just masculine enough to balance my super girly-glam look.

Jewelry is definitely a go-to way to incorporate dragons into your existing look. Rather than sporting Da-Nang cargo pants with dragon embroidery (obviously we aren't all Rooney Mara...), why not try something a little more subtle but still noticeable and super fabulous? This bracelet from John Hardy is sterling silver with 18-kt gold accents. It looks phenomenal on its own, but could easily be stacked with other pieces (how about a rose gold watch and a super skinny pave diamond bracelet?). And the earrings from Noir?! They are too amazing for words (and much more affordable than the Hardy number...) with their rose gold and black crystals. I kind of want them right now...

        

And guys, I didn't forget about you (after all, these dragons are pretty tough characters!). Instead of going down the (very, very frightening) Ed Hardy route (please, just say no.), why not give your own accessory collection a little jolt of whimsy and edge with these dragon cufflinks from Tateossian! They are fun, cool, make an excellent gift, and will make you stand out among any crowd of guys in dress shirts!

And if you absolutely aren't ready to wear a dragon anywhere on your body, these stunning beach towels from Natori (available in the three saturated colors shown below) are the perfect way to still have the Year of the Dragon bring you some good luck! Imagine laying these out at the pool or by the ocean...everyone will know who's life is truly 100% styled...

Hmmm...from my point of view, I think maybe every year should be the Year of the Dragon...!

~ Alison.

Ball & Chain

I'm not usually one to use superfluous accessories. I haven't got a bedazzled phone case. I don't add a belt into an outfit just to have yet another trendy accessory in my look. And I certainly didn't ever have random charms hanging from my purse. But now I'm starting to think that's just because there weren't any that I actually thought were worthy! After finding this super cool, rocker-y one from House of Harlow, I think I may have just gone over to the dark side of extra accessorizing!

First and foremost, I have to publicly announce my love of Nicole Ritchie's House of Harlow line. It is just edgy enough yet still totally wearable...and just vintage-inspired enough to be modernized bohemian. With a chic, hard-edged take on the '60's and '70's, everything in this line works so perfectly for 2012. And this fabulous little piece is a great example. You can clip it to your purse on its own, add it onto a an existing key chain (which is what I would do - I'm always rifling around in my big handbag unable to find my keys...), or even stick it on a belt loop for a girly take on a rocker's chains. But that's the thing, too...it's not overly girly at all - it's cool, it's hard, the spikes are tough...but the antiqued gold makes it somehow super glam and rich at the same time.

Basically, it's the very best kind of the "ol' ball and chain"...

~ Alison.

Belt Envy

Most of the time, I say I feel sorry for guys and their lack of accessory options (women have so many!). But then every once in awhile, I find a menswear accessory that I completely drool over and wish it came suuuuper tiny so I could wear it!

This belt from Jean Shop is one of those pieces. Most men (unless you are a rockstar wearing a silver skull beltbuckle!) wear what seems to be the same belt over and over again. And this one offers something just different enough that you should absolutely want it in your closet. In the coolest, faded, worn-in-looking orange, the color is perfectly on-trend (I am on a personal orange kick...last night I almost bought a new hairdryer just because it was a fabulous shade of dark metallic rust!). It's one of those shades that seems to work all year...with a pair of your darkest jeans or charcoal cargo pants in winter, or faded, destroyed denim in the summer. There's also something about this look that makes you the cool, LA-guy when you use it in an otherwise formal-feeling outfit (think jeans and a sportcoat), or the I-can-pull-off-"rugged"-in-NYC with a fitted thermal, boots and a cashmere hoodie. And if orange isn't your thing, this one also comes in a really amazing warm grey that would seriously work with just about everything in your wardrobe.

And I'm not even going to make the "orange you glad I found this?" joke...;)

~ Alison.

Jennifer Corcione: Start your New Year with a fresh start to your Music!

First off, even though it is halfway through the month: Happy New Year!

As we start to come down from the rush of the festivities, January becomes a time filled with New Year’s Resolutions and cutting back after the shenanigans of the holiday season. Gym memberships are purchased, diets are started, money goes into savings, and in the end, we slow back down to our regular pace. I’ll admit, I have even succumbed to this phenomena myself, cutting soda out of my diet completely and in previous years making it my goal to make good on utilizing my now-defunct gym membership. But New Year’s is about more than just cutting down on sweets…it’s a fresh start!

It’s a chance to take what we have learned in the past and move forward with a clean slate and open mind. For me, I start with an open mind on music. Every year, I take the iTunes gift card that my loving boyfriend Matt gives me every Christmas, and spend the beginning of the New Year searching for new artists to add to my ever-growing collection. This isn’t a difficult task, as my appetite for tune-age means I finish off an iTunes giftcard just as quickly as it took me to type in the redemption code.  But this year has started off quite special. Because this year, unlike any other year, I get to share some of my new must-haves with you, my trusty reader!

Jenn’s New Year ‘Must-Haves’:  

1)      Fleetwood Mac – Rumours: A classic that I am convinced everyone must own! (And if you do, then I’m proud of you.) If the raspy vocal of Stevie Nicks doesn’t grab you, then John McVie’s iconic bass lines might do the trick. This album is like a slice of chocolate cake; I can’t just take a nibble and push it away. Instead, I relish in savoring the whole thing, track by decadent track.  (Also, be on the lookout this year for a new album!)

2)      Bon Iver:  Normally I would shy away from folk music, but this creation from indie-folk singer/songwriter Justin Vernon is worth sharing. All of his music is note-worthy, but I highly recommend his 2011 release Bon Iver. Because it’s more than just traditional folk; it’s the reinvention of folk music with a modern twist!  

3)      Chalk and Numbers: I love how this band can recreate a quintessential Beach Boys style in a modern music scene. Whenever I need that 60’s surfer music vibe without reaching for my Pet Sounds album, this is my go-to. And adding the fact that the band is based in Brooklyn, NY? Just pure perfection.

4)      Fun. : The band name pretty much explains itself. For those of you wanting some pop in your collection, look no further! Started by Nate Ruess, formerly of The Format, this American Indie Pop trio is one to listen for in 2012, especially since they are releasing a new album this month! (And if you can't wait, check out "We Are Young", their current hit.)

5)      Lana Del Rey:  I have a feeling that the trend of strong female singers is going to continue into this year, case in point being this artist. Del Ray brings that indie pop vibe with a diva soul edge…definitely a fun new artist to watch out for this year. (I highly recommend her single “Video Games”, download it!)

6)      Seth MacFarlane: MacFarlane is known for his work in the creation of Family
Guy, but his lyrical chops are nothing to shy away from! For a throwback of ‘Big Band’ standards, his debut album Music Is Better Than Words truly captures the spirit of the era.

 

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I encourage each & every one of you in this New Year to give in just a little and satisfy your ears, especially when it comes to these January picks!

~Jenn~

 

Sherin Botros: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

The soul never thinks without a picture. - Aristotle

I love pictures and consider them to be one of the most beautiful and personal forms of art. 

However, I must admit it took me some time to realize and accept that the ‘picture form’ of art is very different for each of us. To some it can be treasured family photographs and memories with friends, to others it can be beautiful scenic photos or priceless works of art.  The beauty of it is, it doesn’t really matter, it fills your soul and is an extension of who you are, so tell your story!

As a matter of fact, you should flaunt it! But if your anything like me, you have no patience for lining up and measuring (I probably shouldn't admit that, but I know you feel my pain). Let's face it, inevitably one of those pictures won't be straight and will annoyingly stare at you in the face until you fix it...Ugh, I hate when that happens!  So if you're looking to cheat a bit, a nice way to exhibit your priceless memories is through an elegant pre-arranged frame set like the one I found from redenvelope.com  

It's already aligned and ready to be displayed for your viewing pleasure. Just insert the pictures of your choice and share your story.  

No wall space? No worries! There are endless ways to display your framed pieces and still add that personal touch to your home. Grouping your photos over a ledge,  or on a desk or end table is just as spectacular as a wall. It’s all in how you pull it together. You can mix and match frames, colors and patterns, or keep a uniform look, and combine with books or other personal items that have just as much meaning to you as your photos. Arrange in a harmonious and appealing way and...ta da, that's what I call Picture Perfect!

- Sherin

Snake Eyes

This week, I went jewelry shopping with a girlfriend. And while we both bought plenty of fun things (needless to say, we were shopping for costume jewelry!), she was really searching for the perfect snake bangle. I have one that is vintage...from the '70's, it was given to me by my grandmother and is a gold snake that coils around my wrist. It is one of my favorites, and clearly one of everyone else's as well! Since my friend didn't find her snake bracelet, I thought I'd do a little searching for one that she (and all of you!) might love...

What I found was this little stunner from Stella & Dot. Now most of you know the Stella & Dot brand because the company is based on their "stylists" hosting at-home trunk shows for groups of women. But fortunately, you can also shop right off their website. So as I was browsing around, this serpent bangle jumped out at me immediately. In a rich gold-tone (not that creepy, ultra-bright fake gold that is way too prevalent in costume jewelry), it has two serpent heads that meet on opposite ends of a mesh coil. The serpent heads are small enough to be subtle, but large enough to show off their detail (white crystal "eyes" and brownish-red crystal "heads"). And to even further seal the deal, this piece is just $49. For something that you can wear alongside a watch for a night out, on its own with a professional outfit to work, or amidst a jumble of skinny bangles for a weekend brunch, this will pay for itself over and over again.

Definitely an example of "lucky snake eyes"!

~ Alison. 

Hooked

Apparently, Mondays are the new accessory day for me. I seem to be coveting big, hard-edged jewelry for both women and men today. So boys, this one is for you...

Most guys I know really don't wear much jewelry. And often I hear the reasons behind it..."it seems too feminine" or "everyone has something similar" or "there aren't that many (affordable) options that don't have a cheesy logo on them." Well, here is one solution. From designer Miansai, these leather and metal hook bracelets are, quite simply, super cool. They are clever, there isn't a logo in sight, they average about $75, and come in a significant amount of different finishes, materials & metals so you can customize your own look.

My favorite version is this one, with a black leather strap and black metal hook. It will wear in beautifully and the black leather will fade a bit over time, making it singularly yours. The leather strap wraps around your wrist as loose or as tight as you want it, and the hook manages to look both nautical and sinister at the same time. The black metal is unusual and not at all shiny (nothing uncool or overly feminine going on here), and this is strong enough to be worn on its own, but would also look pretty great on the same arm as an oversized watch.

Yup, I'm hooked. Are you?

~ Alison.

Happy New Year!

To all of our amazing readers...Happy New Year!

Thank you for coming back for our relaunch in 2011, and we promise that 2012 holds lots of fabulous new fashion, places, people and ideas to make your life even more full of style! We'll be back on Monday with a brand-new column from our 'girl-about-town' writer Rebecca Gordon (you don't want to miss it!), as well as more from editor-in-chief Alison Stewart, Bridal & Party Planning expert Danielle Aspromatis, Interior Designer Sherin Botros, and resident Music writer Jennifer Corcione. 

In the meantime, celebrate the new year in a way that would make us here at Stylewhipped proud...beautifully, safely, and full of hope.

~ The Stylewhipped Team